Jan Mayen is a desolate, mountainous island named after a Dutch whaling captain who indiputably discovered it in 1614
(earlier claims haven't been proven). The island was visited only on occasion by seal hunters and trappers over
the following centuries. The island came under Norwegian sovereignty in 1929. The long dormant Haakon VII Toppen/Beerengerg
volcano resumed activity in 1970, it is the northernmost active volcano on Earth.
Jan Mayen is located in Northern Europe, it is an island between the Greenland Sea and the Norwegian Sea (northeast of
Iceland). There is a total of 373 square kilometers of land on Jan Mayen, but no permanent surface fresh water.
Jan Mayen is slightly more than twice the size of Washington D.C.! There is 124.1 kilometers of coastline.
The climate of Jan Mayen is an arctic maritime with frequent storms and persistent fog. The island is a volcanic
island, and is partly covered by glaciers. The lowest point on Jan Mayen is zero meters at the Norwegian Sea, and it's
highest point is 2,277 meters at Haakon VII Toppen/Beerenberg (mountain).
There are no natural resources on Jan Mayen. In 1998, it was estimated that 100% of the land was used for other
purposes. The major natural hazard of the island is the fact it is dominated by the volcano Haakon Vii Toppen/Beerenberg,
which was inactive until its activity resumed in 1970. On a geography note it is a barren volcanic island with some
moss and grass.
There are no indigenous inhabitants on Jan Mayen (island), but personnel operate the Long Range Navigation (Loran-C)
base and the weather and coastal services radio station (a July 2003 estimate).
The conventional short form of Jan Mayen (island) is Jan Mayen. Jan Mayen (island) is a territory of Norway.
Since August 1994 it has been administered from Oslo through the county governor (fylkesmann) of Nordland. However,
authority of Jan Mayen has been delegated to a station commander of the Norwegian Defense Communication Service. The
laws of Norway, where applicable, apply. The flag of Norway is flown has the flag of Jan Mayen (island).
Jan Mayen is a volcanic island with no resources that can be easily used. The economic activity is limited to providing
services for employees of Norway's radio and meteorological stations located on the island.
Radio broadcast stations on the island include AM NA, FM NA, and shortwave NA. (There is one radio and meteorological
station on the island). There are thirteen internet service providers (Jan Mayen and Svalbard are the main ones has
of 2000).
The only way to access Jan Mayen (island) (by ship) is by anchoring offshore and boating to shore. There is
one airport, which has an unpaved runway on Jan Mayen (island). Defense is the responsibility of Norway. There
are no international disputes involving Jan Mayen (island).
